Reflecting on the 2025 GIS in Education and Research Conference:
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 GIS in Education and Research Conference, hosted by Esri Canada at the University of Toronto’s Hart House, representing Western University. The event brought together educators, students, and researchers from across Canada to explore how GIS is transforming learning, research, and community engagement.
Exploring Innovation in GIS Higher Education:
The conference showcased inspiring presentations and posters that demonstrated how spatial technologies are being applied across disciplines. From climate resilience and environmental monitoring to urban planning, social equity, and public health, the variety of projects emphasized how GIS fosters critical thinking and data-driven insight in both higher education and even in K–12 classrooms.
Hands-on workshops and discussions also highlighted how educators are incorporating ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, and spatial analytics into their teaching to engage students and visualize complex ideas in new ways. I had the opportunity to participate in the flooding analysis workshop hosted by David Kossowsky, and it was such an invaluable source and that ArcGIS Pro has so many features that some people are just not aware of.
A Collaborative and Interdisciplinary Community:
Representing Western University at this national event was a valuable opportunity to connect with members of the Esri Canada Centres of Excellence (ECCE) network and other institutions dedicated to advancing geospatial literacy. Conversations with peers and faculty across Canada really showed us how collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for keeping GIS education inclusive and innovative.
My Key Takeaways:
This experience reaffirmed my passion for using GIS as a stepping stone between academic research and real-world impact. I’m grateful to Esri Canada for organizing such an engaging and forward-thinking conference, and I’m excited to apply the insights gained to future projects and community-focused research at Western. I would also like to thank Western ECCE for allowing me to attend this conference. This has been an amazing experience, and it has made me consider higher education.